First record of an indigenous South African parasitoid wasp on an imported biological control agent,the water hyacinth hopper |
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Authors: | Emily C. Kraus Julie Coetzee Simon van Noort Massimo Olmi |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South AfricaE.Kraus@ru.ac.zahttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3744-4249;3. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Centre for Biological Control, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0364-3349;4. Research and Exhibitions Department, South African Museum, Iziko Museums of South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa;5. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africahttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6930-9741;6. Tropical Entomology Research Center, Viterbo, Italyhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-5953-5075 |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTWater hyacinth, Pontederia crassipes (Martius) [≡Eichhornia crassip es (Martius) Solms-Laubach] (Pontederiaceae), is native to South America, but has expanded its range to many other regions of the world including South Africa. Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) was released as a biological control agent and has established in several regions. Recently, the indigenous species Echthrodelphax migratorius Benoit, (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae) was discovered in South Africa parasitising M. scutellaris. This newly discovered relationship might have repercussions for the efficacy of biological control of water hyacinth by the delphacid. The wasp may negatively impact M. scutellaris populations making it difficult for the agent to successfully manage the invasive weed. Contrarily, the parasitoid may be beneficial by keeping the M. scutellaris populations stable, serving as a natural enemy. |
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Keywords: | Megamelus scutellaris Echthrodelphax migratorius plant-insect interactions Pontederia crassipes |
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